Spiders You May See in Downers Grove
Most spiders in this area are harmless to people. Knowing which one you have helps decide what to do.
American house spiders. Small, brown and the most common spider inside homes. They build tangled cobwebs in corners, ceilings, basements and garages.
Wolf spiders. Large, hairy and brown or gray. They do not build webs to catch prey. They hunt on the ground and often come inside in fall. They look scary but rarely bite.
Cellar spiders. Pale, with very long thin legs. They hang in loose webs in basements, crawl spaces and dark corners. Many people call them daddy long legs.
Jumping spiders. Small and compact, they hop and are often seen on sunny walls, windows and window frames.
Funnel weavers. Fast brown spiders that build flat webs with a funnel in grass, shrubs and along foundations, and sometimes wander inside.
Black widows and brown recluses. These spiders can bite in a way that needs medical care. Black widows do occur in Illinois but are not common around homes in the Chicago area. Brown recluses are mostly found in southern Illinois, and many spiders reported as brown recluses here turn out to be harmless. If you think you have found one, call us and keep a photo or the spider itself for identification.
Why Spiders Come Into Your Home
Spiders follow their food. If your home has insects, it will have spiders.
- Insects indoors and out. Ants, flies, moths and other bugs draw spiders in
- Outdoor lights. Bright lights attract insects, and spiders build webs nearby
- Gaps and cracks. Spiders enter through small openings around doors, windows, vents and pipes
- Clutter. Boxes, stored items and piles in garages, basements and closets give spiders places to hide
- Yard and landscape. Woodpiles, thick shrubs, ivy, leaf litter and trees near the house give spiders shelter close to the walls
When Spiders Are Most Noticeable
Spiders are around all year, but you are likely to see them most in late summer and fall. That is when many of them are fully grown and males wander in search of mates. Cooler weather also pushes some spiders, like wolf spiders, to move indoors.
In spring, spiders come out of hiding as insects become active, and you may see fresh webs on eaves, porches and around doors.
How We Get Rid of Spiders
1. Inspection. We check the inside and outside of your home, including basements, garages, window wells, eaves and outdoor lights, to find where spiders live and what is feeding them.
2. Web and egg sac removal. We remove webs and egg sacs we can reach. This stops the next generation.
3. Treatment. We treat the outside of the home, including eaves, doors, windows and the foundation, and treat indoor spots where spiders hide, such as corners and cracks.
4. Cut off the food. By reducing other insects, we make the home less attractive. We also point out gaps that need sealing.
5. Follow up. Spiders can return, especially in fall. We check results and adjust the plan.
What You Can Do at Home
- Switch outdoor lights to warm colored bulbs, which attract fewer insects than bright white ones
- Seal gaps around doors, windows, pipes and vents
- Move firewood and clutter away from the house
- Trim shrubs and branches so they do not touch the walls
- Clear webs with a vacuum or a long duster
- Reduce clutter in basements, garages and closets
- Keep window screens in good repair
Mistakes That Bring Spiders Back
Killing spiders one by one. Store sprays only kill the spiders they touch, and new ones move in.
Ignoring the insects. Spiders will stay as long as there is food, so treating only the spiders is not enough.
Cleaning webs but not the outside. Webs come back quickly if the outside of the home is not treated.
When to Get Medical Help
Most spider bites are minor. If a bite causes severe pain, spreading redness, blistering or you feel unwell, seek medical care. We are a pest control company and cannot give medical advice.
Spider Control Across Downers Grove
We treat spiders in homes and businesses throughout Downers Grove, including ZIP codes 60515 and 60516, and in nearby towns such as Lisle, Woodridge, Westmont and Darien. If you are close by, call us anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the spiders in my house dangerous?
Most are not. The spiders that are usually found inside Illinois homes, like house spiders, cellar spiders and wolf spiders, are not a serious risk to people. If you think you have a black widow or a brown recluse, call us for identification.
Why do I have so many spiders?
Spiders go where the food is. A lot of spiders often means a lot of other insects. Outdoor lights, gaps and clutter also make your home a better place for them.
How long does spider control take?
Most homes see a big drop in spiders within a couple of weeks, but seasonal spiders can come back. Regular visits keep numbers down.
Will spraying get rid of spiders for good?
Not by itself. Spiders return if insects and gaps remain. Treating the outside of the home, removing webs and reducing other pests gives longer lasting results.
Should I kill spiders in my house?
You can, but there is no need to panic. Spiders eat other pests. If you have many, or if you want them out, we can treat the reasons they are there.
Is spider treatment safe for children and pets?
Your technician uses products following the label and explains where they were applied and if anything needs to be avoided for a short time. Tell us about children and pets before we start.
Do spiders come in from the yard?
Yes. Many spiders live in shrubs, woodpiles, leaves and tree bark near the house and come in through gaps or when weather changes. Treating the outside of the home is a key step.
Related services: Ant Control | Cockroach Control | Home Pest Protection Plan